Jun 16, 2014 3 min read

A Pittsburgh man was arrested early Sunday by Donora police after they said they found suspected crack and marijuana while investigating an alleged assault.

Semaj “Dreads” Lowe, 21, was taken into custody after police reported finding three bags of suspected crack, a Mason jar containing marijuana and a stolen 9 mm handgun while photographing a possible crime scene at 102 Ida Ave.

Police were called about 2:20 a.m. to 102 Ida for a report of a stabbing. In the area of Walnut Street and Modisette Avenue, police found Darrin “Detroit” Wardlaw, 22, of Donora, who was bleeding heavily from what appeared to be a half-inch stab wound in the middle of his back. His upper right arm also had a 4-inch slash. Lowe was assisting Wardlaw, using a washcloth in an attempt to stop the bleeding. Officer Joshua Haines stayed with Lowe and Wardlaw while other officers went to the address on Ida. Wardlaw was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital for treatment.

James Carpenter, who owns the home on Ida, saw blood throughout the house. The trail led to a second-floor bedroom reportedly shared by Wardlaw and Lowe. Carpenter gave police permission to enter the home to investigate.

Police were in the bedroom to photograph the possible crime scene when they said they found the jar containing the suspected marijuana. A pair of shorts on a table was moved to allow for photographs to be taken of the scene. When the shorts were moved, police said a 9 mm handgun fell out. Police said they also found three sandwich bags of suspected crack in the shorts. Police learned the gun was reported stolen.

Police left the home to check on Wardlaw. When they returned, officers noticed changes in the room. They said they learned Lowe called another man and asked him to retrieve the black shorts with the crack and gun.

Lowe reportedly admitted to police the marijuana was his but claimed he knew nothing of the crack or stolen gun.

Police Chief James Brice said that while blood was found at the Ida residence, police are not certain where Wardlaw received his injuries. Wardlaw told police he was not stabbed but rather fell on something sharp. Lowe told police he was at a party when he spotted Wardlaw walking down the street. Wardlaw reportedly told police he could not provide any information to assist in the investigation.

Lowe was arraigned before District Judge Mark Wilson on charges of possession and possession with intent to deliver marijuana and crack, possession of paraphernalia and receiving stolen property. He was placed in Washington County jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for June 27 before Wilson.